Rabat – Barcelona midfielder Gavi is set to return to the matchday squad for Sunday’s La Liga game against Sevilla after receiving medical clearance following a knee injury that has kept him out for months.
The 20-year-old suffered the injury during training in August and later underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscus tear. Barcelona confirmed this week that the Spain international is fit again after spending more than a week training with the rest of the squad.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick welcomed the news but suggested the club will be careful with the midfielder’s return.
“I’m happy. Maybe he can play some minutes,” Flick said when asked about Gavi’s situation ahead of the match. “It’s good to have him back. In training you can see what he brings to the team, but we also have to take care of him.
“He is on the right path. Everything has to go step by step. The last injury was not easy for him. We know he is a player who will be here for many years, so we have to think about that as well. His attitude has been very good.”
Gavi this season
Gavi has barely played this season. His only two appearances in La Liga came early in the campaign, with his last outing arriving in August against Levante before the injury forced him out again.
He was included in the squad for Barcelona’s recent Champions League match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, but remained on the bench during the 1-1 draw.
Sources close to the club suggest that even if he is in the squad against Sevilla, Gavi will only be used if the match situation allows it. Barcelona’s staff are keen to manage his minutes carefully after his long recovery.
His return comes at an important time for the club. Barcelona have struggled with injuries in several areas of the squad this season, particularly in midfield.
Frenkie de Jong is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem that is expected to keep him out for several weeks, leaving Flick with fewer options in the center of the pitch.
Gavi’s comeback also follows a difficult period earlier in his career. The midfielder previously spent around ten months out of action between November 2023 and September 2024 after suffering a serious ACL injury.
Despite those setbacks, he has already built an impressive record at Barcelona. Since breaking into the first team in the 2021-22 season, Gavi has made 155 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 18 assists.
Barcelona go into Sunday’s match one point clear at the top of La Liga. Real Madrid won 4-1 against Elche yesterday.
